Scout Reports
1 September 2011 514 comments
Paul Paul
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Fulham snapped up Costa Rican sensation Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente on a four year contract before last night’s transfer deadline. The deal is thought to be in the region of £10m and represents a significant coup for Martin Jol -the twenty-six year old is a class act and should bolster the Fulham first-team significantly.

Despite some last-minute interest from the likes of Newcastle, the player admitted Jol was a major factor in his decision to sign for the Cottagers:

“I’m really happy to be joining Fulham Football Club and playing under Martin Jol who is a manager I admire from his time managing in Holland for Ajax. I chose to come to Fulham because it feels more personal than other clubs I have visit

The Statistics

Ruiz’s career began as an eighteen year old in his native country, playing 83 times and scoring 24 goals for Alajuelense, before moving to Belgian club KAA Genk. Ruiz stayed there for three seasons, bagging 26 goals in 79 games and his performances caught the eye of Steve McLaren, the then-manager of FC Twente.

McLaren snapped up the player for a mere 5m Euros in 2009 and the player’s goals repaid his manager’s faith, as he fired Twente to their first ever Eredivisie title under the guidance of the former England boss. It’s in Holland that Ruiz –nicknamed “The Weasel”- developed into a real top-class talent; 61 games brought 39 goals and 20 assists, indicating a keen eye for goal in addition to a real creative edge to his play.

The Prospects

There’s little doubt Ruiz arrives at the Cottage as a key player for Martin Jol’s side. A left-footer, he will offer Fulham options both on the wing and as a forward in the new manager’s preferred 4-4-2. Jol is desperate for a goalscorer and it may well be he sees Ruiz as a forward, someone he can play alongside Bobby Zamora; Fulham have scored just one goal in their first three Premier League games under Jol and more firepower is essential.

Alternatively, it would also give Jol the option of keeping Clint Dempsey as a forward- the American has impressed in Europe when played up front and scored the club’s late consolation at Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

Ruiz is highly regarded across Europe and has many strengths to his game. He possesses a fantastic technique as well as an ability to regularly find the net and, standing at 6 foot 2, is also great in the air.

The ideal scenario for Fantasy managers is for the player to be classified as a FPL midfielder (around 7.5 or 8.0 could be expected) with Jol then opting to field him as a forward. With this type of skill in his locker, he would be a great out-of-position proposition and has the class to spark Fulham’s league campaign into life.

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514 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. wolf99
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    which one?

    a/ fwd Dzeko, Rooney, Suarez
    def Bosingwa

    b/ fwd Dzeko, Rooney, Agbonlahor
    def Baines

    cheers

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    1. O Fenomeno
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Pu8t Bendtner in one of those options then we will talk.

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  2. bangers and M*A*S*H
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    What is needed for a player to drop in price? Is it to pass a 100% on totalfpl? Please advise as I need to move some players soon before their prices drop.

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  3. Screaming Midget
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Areta vs Walcott... talk to me.

    A tought one but think Arteta just edges it with the 1.0 price save. If they were both the same price, then I'd probably go Walcott.

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    1. Screaming Midget
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      *Arteta

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      1. Rush
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        I'd actually say Walcott. I can see the Arteta reasoning, but with a bit more creative influence behind him, Walcott may well flourish. It depends how many set pieces Tets can get his hands on.

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  4. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Dempsey or Cahill ?

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  5. wonkothesane1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    7.0 Forward.

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    1. Lucky_2010
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      unproven yet but no harm to take the risk ......

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  6. Zarathustra
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Bryan Ruiz at 7.5 mid is a must have

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  7. jamsiep
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    I don't like this signing. He's looked pretty average every time I've seen him. Rates himself too highly, tries to overcomplicate and can be selfish.

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    1. jamsiep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Very slow as well.

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